It had been arranged that I should go to
Chicago. When Mrs. Lincoln first suggested
her plan, I strongly objected ; but I had been
with her so long, that she had acquired great
power over me.

" I cannot go West with you, Mrs. Lincoln," I
said, when the idea was first advanced.

" But you must go to Chicago with me, Eliza
beth ; I cannot do without you."

"You forget my business, Mrs. Lincoln. I
cannot leave it. Just now I have the spring
trousseau to make for Mrs. Douglas, and I have
promised to have it done in less than a week."

"Never mind. Mrs. Douglas can get some
one else to make her trousseau. You may find it
to your interest to go. I am very poor now, but
if Congress makes an appropriation for my
benefit, you shall be well rewarded."

" It is not the reward, but " I commenced, by
way of reply, but she stopped me :

" Now don t say another word about it, if you
do not wish to distress me. I have determined
that you shall go to Chicago with me, and you
must go."

When Mrs. Douglas learned that Mrs. Lincoln
wished me to accompany her West, she sent me
word :

" Never mind me. Do all you can for Mrs.
Lincoln. My heart's sympathy is with her."

Finding that no excuse would be accepted, I
made preparations to go to Chicago with Mrs. L.

The green car had specially been chartered for
us, and in this we were conveyed to the West.
Dr. Henry accompanied us, and he was remarkably
attentive and kind. The first night out,
Mrs. Lincoln had a severe headache ; and while I
was bathing her temples, she said to me :

" Lizabeth, you are my best and kindest friend,
and I love you as my best friend. I wish it were
in my powder to make you comfortable for the
balance of your days. If Congress provides for
me, depend upon it, I will provide for you."

From: "Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House"
by Elizabeth Keckley
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